Approaching with empathy

It’s no secret that our oral health plays a significant role not only in how bright our smile looks, but also in our overall health. With the cost of living increasing and reliance on ultra-processed foods being higher than ever before, we need to understand the impact that this can have on our patients, particularly those with obesity.

Obesity and oral health are very closely connected, sharing many common risk factors, which often are a result of the foods being consumed by patients. For example, foods high in sugar content can contribute directly to weight gain and tooth decay, and regular consumption of refined carbohydrates or ultra-processed foods increases the risk of plaque build-up, while frequent snacking can also lead to damage to the tooth enamel while also contributing to caloric excess.